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NHS 111 provider for Harrow sets out dignity policy

The provider of a key health service for the borough has unveiled its dignity policy ahead of a national day of action.

Harmoni runs the NHS 111 service for Harrow and as part of national Dignity Action Day hopes to show how it aims to put patients first.

The company is one of the country’s largest independent providers of health and social care including out of hours doctor services and NHS 111.

Director of urgent care for the company Dr David Lee said: "This is an incredibly important subject as it goes right to the core of proper patient care, particularly when you are dealing with the more vulnerable members of society.

“Our policy is not a ‘lip-service exercise’. It has been produced after an extensive review of how we operate and of public engagement to see what is expected by patients.”

The policy states all Harmoni staff have a duty to ensure that the privacy, dignity, ethnicity and diversity of all patients is respected.

Also they have a duty to report if any of these areas have not been respected.

Finally they must demonstrate a respectful attitude and behaviour are promoted as part of the normal standard expected to prevent patients experiencing offensive, negative attitude and behaviour.

Dr Lee added: “Treating all people with dignity is integral to the first-class patient care which we always aim to provide.”